Work With Us

Hourly Rate

$15.45

Hours

8-16 hours per week, Saturday-Sunday

Duties

• Host and facilitate engaging, age-appropriate birthday party experiences for children and families in an aquarium setting
• Lead interactive activities, games, and animal-themed lessons aligned with aquarium education goals
• Present live animal encounters or animal artifacts confidently and safely, following animal welfare and handling protocols
• Create a fun, welcoming, and inclusive atmosphere for birthday guests and caregivers
• Manage party timelines to ensure smooth transitions between activities, animal presentations, and celebrations
• Communicate clearly with families to explain party activities, rules, and expectations
• Set up and clean party spaces before and after events, including decorations, materials, and supplies
• Ensure the safety of guests by enforcing aquarium rules and supervising children during activities
• Adapt programming in real time to meet group needs, age levels, and energy levels
• Model excellent customer service and represent the aquarium positively at all times
• Assist with basic administrative tasks such as attendance tracking, feedback collection, or supply inventory as needed

Preferences

High school diploma is required. Experience with children, interest in animals or science, customer service, speaking in front of groups, and a positive attitude make an ideal candidate. Ability to provide excellent customer service and follow safety guidelines is required. Reliability, flexibility with scheduling, and a willingness to learn are essential; prior experience with children’s programs or parties is a plus but not required.

To Apply

Send your resume and cover letter via email to Programs@VirginiaAquarium.com , or mail to:
Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
717 General Booth Blvd.
Virginia Beach, VA 23451

If selected, applicants will be hired through Abacus Staffing Services.

Hourly Rate

$15.45

Hours

20-40 hours per week, Monday-Friday

Duties

Keep the Aquarium looking and operating great!

• Support the Aquarium’s building and facilities needs by responding to calls and requesting maintenance using a work order database, performing minor repairs, and supporting projects
• Provide professional level communication and support to aquarium staff, city maintenance teams, contractors, and vendors
• Greet all guests with a smile, a verbal greeting, and approachable friendliness
• Always project a professional image while in uniform
• Ability to handle multiple tasks by priority
• Survey the Aquarium to confirm work completion, and report maintenance needs
• Research vendors and suppliers for materials and projects
• Perform paint touch ups
• Must be able to write and communicate clearly
• Able to follow detailed instructions both verbal and written
• Able to lift 50 pounds, climb, stretch, work in tight spaces
• Ability to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions

Preferences

High school diploma and experience with building maintenance, customer service, database use, word processing, Excel, hand tool use and building repairs. Flexible work schedule. Provide enthusiastic support to maintenance personnel, contractors and aquarium staff. Ability to work in the occasional fast paced stressful situation. Great listening skills. Great organizational skills. Self-starter with strong work ethic.

To Apply

Send your resume and cover letter via email to CSinger@VBGov.com . Or mail to:
Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
717 General Booth Blvd.
Virginia Beach, VA 23451

If selected, applicants will be hired through Abacus Staffing Services.

The Virginia Aquarium Veterinary Services division offers an opportunity for a graduate veterinarian looking to specialize in aquatic animal medicine through a Veterinary Internship in Aquatic Animal Medicine.

Applicants for this paid, grant-funded internship should be graduates of an AVMA accredited college of veterinary medicine, should have successfully passed the national veterinary medicine exam, and must possess a current license to practice as a veterinarian in the state of Virginia or be licensed in another state. Applicants must also be eligible to obtain licensure with the Virginia Board of Veterinary Medicine upon hire. Learn more and apply through the City of Virginia Beach.

The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center is currently accepting applications for the Conservation Programs Batten Fellowship. The application period will remain open through March 1, 2026. This fellowship requires a commitment of 400 hours over a consecutive three-month period, typically running from May to August at a pay rate of $15.45 per hour. Please note that housing is not provided, and fellows are responsible for meeting all requirements from their home institutions to secure academic credit.

Position Overview

The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center is seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Conservation Programs Fellow to support the integration of critical conservation messaging across our diverse educational and public engagement programs. The Conservation Programs Fellow will play a vital role in enhancing the impact of the Virginia Aquarium's public programming by systematically developing, evaluating, and integrating clear, actionable conservation messages. This position is ideal for an individual passionate about environmental education and effective science communication.

Responsibilities

• The Fellow will be responsible for the following tasks:
  Program Assessment & Evaluation: Conduct a thorough assessment of existing educational programs, including:
  • Sensible Seafood
  • Keeper Talks
  • Science on the Go
  • Watershed Warriors
  • Programming at key engagement areas across both buildings.
  • The goal of the evaluation is to determine the current inclusion, if any, of conservation messages and action items provided to the general public.
• Conservation Research & Synthesis: Research and compile information on the current conservation programs and initiatives actively supported by the Virginia Aquarium.
• Message Development: Identify and formulate key, audience-appropriate conservation messages and action items derived from the Aquarium's initiatives that can be incorporated into public programming.
• Integration Support: Assist in developing strategies and content to integrate the new or refined conservation messaging into the identified educational programs and public presentations.

Required Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Must be a rising junior, recent graduate, or currently enrolled in a graduate degree program in Environmental Science, Marine Biology, Conservation, Education, Communications, or a related field.
• Demonstrated understanding of conservation principles and challenges.
• Strong research, analytical, and organizational skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to synthesize complex scientific information into clear public messages.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks simultaneously, and meet deadlines.

Position Requirements

• Possess a valid U.S. driver’s license.
• Pass a City of Virginia Beach background check.
• Be available to work during the Aquarium’s operating hours, 9:00am-5:00pm daily, which includes weekends and holidays.

Fellowship Learning Objectives

• Gain practical experience in formal and informal environmental education settings.
• Contribute directly to the Virginia Aquarium’s mission of conservation.
• Opportunity to work with professionals in education, animal care, and conservation.
• Enhance a professional portfolio with concrete examples of program development and communication strategy.
• Gain supervisory and mentoring skills with a diverse volunteer team.
• Facilitate teamwork through positive actions and activities.
• Deliver a formal report of your experience that includes insight and knowledge gained, to be shared with the education staff in an informal presentation.

Fellow Schedule

Fellow is expected to be available 4-5 days per week, between 9:00 am-5:00 pm.

Fellow Supervisor/Mentor

Karen Burns, Vice President of Conservation.

Work Location

Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center.

Application Requirements

A complete Batten Fellowship application packet must include the following. Incomplete application packets will not be considered.

• Cover Letter: Clearly state the specific Batten Fellowship opportunity for which you are applying. Please note any known schedule conflicts, as there is some flexibility with the Fellowship's start and end dates.
• A Fellowship Expectations letter. This should detail what you expect to do and gain from your experience.
• Resume
• College Transcript(s)
• Two letters of recommendation. One must be an academic reference.

Completed Application Packet

If applying via email, please send the application to KPBurns@VirginiaAquarium.com . Please type “Conservation Programs Fellowship” in the subject line. Incomplete application packets will not be considered.

If mailing, please send your completed application packet to:

Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
717 General Booth Boulevard
Virginia Beach, Virginia 23451
Attn: Karen Burns – Conservation Programs Batten Fellowship

Position Overview

Empower the next generation of marine educators! The Virginia Aquarium is now accepting applications for the Watershed Warriors Batten Fellowship. We're seeking an inclusive role model to mentor diverse youth docents at the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center. This pivotal role will equip young leaders with the skills to connect with diverse audiences and foster a passion for marine conservation.

This unique opportunity offers:
Impactful Experience: Work 400 hours over three months (May/June-August) to make a tangible difference in marine and environmental conservation.
Professional Development: Gain valuable skills in education, public engagement, and environmental science.
Financial Compensation: Earn $15.45 per hour for your dedication and hard work.

Please note housing is not provided. Fellows are responsible for fulfilling academic credit requirements with their home institutions.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement educational station activities that promote watershed conservation and environmental stewardship, highlight the importance of watersheds, and inspire conservation actions.
• Engage diverse audiences, including families and children, through hands-on activities, guided tours, and other educational initiatives.
• Collaborate with staff to provide excellent customer service.
• Empower teen volunteers to deliver exceptional educational experiences.
• Engage a wide variety of audiences at the Aquarium and educate them on how they can take action to protect their local natural areas and watersheds, with messages that are easy for all guests to understand.
• Supervise and mentor Watershed volunteers to ensure a positive, fulfilling experience for them and guests at the Virginia Aquarium.
• Train, mentor, and coach volunteers to engage guests while communicating Watershed and Aquarium-specific educational content.
• Facilitate additional team-building exercises and programs for the Watershed Warrior volunteers to build their skills and retain their interest in the organization.
• Conduct evaluations on programming offered to ensure education goals are met. Evaluate the effectiveness of educational programs and make data-driven recommendations.

Required Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Must be a rising junior, recent graduate, or currently enrolled in a graduate degree program in Environmental Science, Marine Biology, Conservation, Education, Communications, or a related field.
• Must be self-motivated, articulate, mature, reliable, and responsible.
• Must be physically fit with the ability to lift 50 lbs. and stand for long periods of time outdoors.
• Possess a valid U.S. driver’s license.
• Be available to work during the Aquarium’s operating hours, 9:00am-5:00pm daily, which includes weekends and holidays.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrate interest in a career in environmental education and/or science communication.
• Have experience mentoring and coaching volunteers or students in the noted age group.
• Have excellent communication skills.
• Be comfortable talking to guests and providing good customer service.

Fellowship Learning Objectives

• Develop fundamental engagement skills and test strategies for informal environmental education communication.
• Gain supervisory and mentoring skills with a diverse volunteer team.
• Deliver a formal report of your experience that includes insight and knowledge gained that will be shared with the education staff in an informal presentation.

Fellow Schedule

Fellow is expected to be available 4-5 days per week, between the hours of 9:00am-5:00pm. Weekend and holiday coverage is expected.

Minimum Commitment Required

400 hours.

Fellow Supervisor/Mentor

Watershed Warriors Program Coordinator.

Work Location

Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center

Application Requirements

A complete Batten Fellowship application packet must include the following. Incomplete application packets will not be considered.

• Cover Letter: Clearly state the specific Batten Fellowship opportunity for which you are applying. Please note any known schedule conflicts, as there is some flexibility with the Fellowship's start and end dates.
• A Fellowship Expectations letter. This should detail what you expect to do and gain from your experience.
• Resume
• College Transcript(s)
• Two letters of recommendation. One must be an academic reference.
  

Completed Application Packet

If applying via email, please send the application to KPBurns@VirginiaAquarium.com . Please type “Watershed Warriors Batten Fellowship” in the subject line. Incomplete application packets will not be considered.

If mailing, please send your completed application packet to:

Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
717 General Booth Boulevard
Virginia Beach, Virginia 23451
Attn: Karen Burns – Watershed Warriors Batten Fellowship